Benzene Diseases – Other Solvent Diseases

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Although benzene has proven capable of serving a number of commercial and industrial purposes, exposure to the organic chemical compound has been linked with the development of a number of serious diseases. Labeled as a human carcinogen by the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), benzene now faces strict regulation within the United States.

While benzene exposure can elicit a number of undesirable side effects, none have proven to be as hazardous as the following four benzene related diseases:

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Benzene

Acute myelogenous leukemia, also called acute myeloid leukemia, is a type of cancer affecting the myeloid blood cells of bone marrow. As such, it is a hematological malignancy (cancer of the blood, bone marrow or lymphatic system). While it is not known entirely what causes the development of AML, the serious disease has been linked with exposure to benzene.

There are a number of symptoms associated with the development of AML, most of which are caused by the increased number of abnormal white blood cells. AML interferes with bone marrow production of normal blood cells, impeding immune system functionality.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia and Benzene

Chronic myelogenous leukemia is very much the same type of disease as acute myelogenous leukemia. Like AML, CML development has been linked with benzene exposure. The only major difference between the two is that a case of CML can lay dormant for years prior to becoming symptomatic. CML sufferers can experience an "accelerated phase" of the disease during which its signs and symptoms can mimic those of AML.

Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia and Benzene

Acute lymphocytic leukemia, also called acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects certain white blood cells (lymphocytes) and bone marrow. ALL causes the overproduction and rapid division of malignant / immature white blood cells. Development of ALL has been linked with benzene exposure.

Acute lymphocytic leukemia typically affects young children or adults over the age of 50. ALL is similar in nature to AML and CML in the sense that both are types of leukemia. If a case of acute myelogenous leukemia goes untreated, it can elicit fatal results.

Aplastic Anemia and Benzene

Aplastic anemia is a serious disease that affects bone marrow. An "aplastic" condition means "of the marrow," while anemia refers to an inefficient red blood cell count. People suffering from aplastic anemia are unable to produce substantial levels of platelets, or red and white blood cells. The development of aplastic anemia has been linked with benzene exposure.

Most cases of aplastic anemia can be treated through the medicinal suppression of the immune system; however, it is not uncommon for the disease to have progressed to such an extent that it requires a bone marrow transplant.

Benzene Lawsuits

It is the responsibility of employers operating facilities that deal with benzene or benzene-laden products to ensure the safety of their employees by taking measures to minimize benzene exposure. Failure to take such measures is deemed negligent and grounds for legal action. Benzene lawsuits are designed to provide compensation for pain, suffering and legal expenses incurred as a result of an employer's negligence. In addition, this type of legal action allows families of deceased benzene exposure victims hold those responsible for their suffering financially liable. Contact a benzene wrongful death attorney to get additional information about your rights.

MediaFact is an important online resource about drug side effects related to Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Primary Pulmonary Hypertension.